Saturday, March 27, 2010
Final Thoughts
That was a fun night. I learned a lot (about opera, downtown Portland) and ultimately had a great time. The show runs at approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, but it went fast! (That is a GOOD THING!)
The production concept is unique, fresh, and inspiring. Focusing on love and marriage, the director, Nicholas Muni, seamlessly weaves three seemingly unrelated operas into one cohesive production. Separated by almost 350 years, these operas not only warn about relationships, but together, celebrate the art form of opera itself. I can’t speak for Claudio Monteverdi or Leonard Bernstein, but I LOVED it.
Claudio Monteverdi is an Italian composer whose works are often regarded as the music transitions of the Renaissance to the Baroque period. He also wrote one of the earliest operas, L’Orfeo.
Monteverdi’s IL BALLO DELLE INGRATE (The Dance of the Ungrateful Women) depicts a troubled Cupid (Jennifer Forni) whose arrows no longer work on mankind. In fact, mankind mocks the very idea of love. This situation leads to him begging his mother, Venus (Daryl Freedman), to ask Pluto (Jeffrey G. Beruan) to release the Ungrateful Dead and thus allowing the human race to view the true power of agony.
The costumes helped give this opera a semi-modern vibe. Cupid was dressed in a zoot suit and adorned with the traditional wings. While Venus wore a gorgeous gold gown and sipped a Martini. These were both bold choices and alone in this opera would’ve failed, but it worked in the broader picture of the evening. There were a few chuckles heard during this opera, mostly to the actor’s reactions to each other, but I think it is easier to laugh at the garishness and over-the-top manner of Greek gods. This was an excellent choice to start off the evening, given that everyone can relate to Cupid in the realm of “love and marriage.”
The transition between these operas was wonderful. As the Ungrateful Dead emerge into the world, one of the males among them becomes the narrator (Steven Brennfleck) for the second opera.
Monteverdi’s IL COMBATTIMENTO DI TANCREDI E CLORINDA (The Battle of Tancredi and Clorinda) takes a more tragic look at the topic when two lovers (Tancredi and Clorinda) meet on the battlefield during the First Crusades. The two warriors fight on opposite sides of the Christian/Islam battle. The female (Clorinda) is in disguise and not until the fatal blow is dealt, does Tancredi realize he has killed his beloved.
This opera was slower than the first. While the battle raged in the background, a second plot line took place between the narrator and a female from the Ungrateful Dead. At one point, the female had a gun to his head, while he depicted this fairytale. I am not sure what they were going for. I am assuming the Narrator and this female were engaged in a relationship at some point and this relationship was a tragic tale, but that is just my guess. I enjoyed the story, but this was the one moment in the whole night that I felt completely lost. However, I still enjoyed the opera, so I suppose that says something good about the execution. If you can be lost, but still having a great time that is a successful thing.
The use of the projection screen in this opera was better than the first. The projection screen basically projected an image or images on the entire set. These images enhanced the opera in some way. I was impressed by the amount the audience had to look at. The set for all three operas was minimal. It consisted of a bow shaped platform and the occasional prop. However, the projection screen added an outstanding visual element that gave depth and context to the operas. Also, there were three screens that projected English subtitles to enhance your understanding of the plot. It was a great experience.
Leonard Bernstein is an American composer born in 1918. He was among the first American conductors to receive worldwide acclaim. The New York Times claim he is "one of the most prodigally talented and successful musicians in American history."
Bernstein’s TROUBLE IN TAHITI features the troubles of a marriage during the ideal, shiny, and perfect 1950s. During one day, the couple indulges themselves in affairs and other distractions to take their minds off the troubled marriage. This opera depicts the television and film as an escape from the trouble in paradise.
I have to say, this was my favorite opera. First, it was in English. Second, I understood the time period better. And finally, it has a few jazz elements, which I enjoyed.
There were a few liberties taken. The father, Sam (Jose Rubio), has an affair with his secretary Miss Brown or in the production Venus. While the mother, Dinah (Daryl Freedman) has an affair with Pluto. The Ungrateful Dead play other roles through the opera. I think it added a new element and twist on the affairs that implied things I am not sure Bernstein had in mind, but it worked. Weaving in characters from all three operas into the scenes helped bring the triple bill together under one constant umbrella.
The 50’s inspired visuals on this opera were great. And the “perfect” Fantasy Trio (Jennifer Forni, Steve Brennfleck, and Christopher Clayton) acted not only as a type of Greek chorus, but added a bit of humor in to a tragic storyline.
I had a great time attending the opera and I encourage you to check out this production as well as future productions. The cast was great and the production was marvelous!
The production concept is unique, fresh, and inspiring. Focusing on love and marriage, the director, Nicholas Muni, seamlessly weaves three seemingly unrelated operas into one cohesive production. Separated by almost 350 years, these operas not only warn about relationships, but together, celebrate the art form of opera itself. I can’t speak for Claudio Monteverdi or Leonard Bernstein, but I LOVED it.
Claudio Monteverdi is an Italian composer whose works are often regarded as the music transitions of the Renaissance to the Baroque period. He also wrote one of the earliest operas, L’Orfeo.
Monteverdi’s IL BALLO DELLE INGRATE (The Dance of the Ungrateful Women) depicts a troubled Cupid (Jennifer Forni) whose arrows no longer work on mankind. In fact, mankind mocks the very idea of love. This situation leads to him begging his mother, Venus (Daryl Freedman), to ask Pluto (Jeffrey G. Beruan) to release the Ungrateful Dead and thus allowing the human race to view the true power of agony.
The costumes helped give this opera a semi-modern vibe. Cupid was dressed in a zoot suit and adorned with the traditional wings. While Venus wore a gorgeous gold gown and sipped a Martini. These were both bold choices and alone in this opera would’ve failed, but it worked in the broader picture of the evening. There were a few chuckles heard during this opera, mostly to the actor’s reactions to each other, but I think it is easier to laugh at the garishness and over-the-top manner of Greek gods. This was an excellent choice to start off the evening, given that everyone can relate to Cupid in the realm of “love and marriage.”
The transition between these operas was wonderful. As the Ungrateful Dead emerge into the world, one of the males among them becomes the narrator (Steven Brennfleck) for the second opera.
Monteverdi’s IL COMBATTIMENTO DI TANCREDI E CLORINDA (The Battle of Tancredi and Clorinda) takes a more tragic look at the topic when two lovers (Tancredi and Clorinda) meet on the battlefield during the First Crusades. The two warriors fight on opposite sides of the Christian/Islam battle. The female (Clorinda) is in disguise and not until the fatal blow is dealt, does Tancredi realize he has killed his beloved.
This opera was slower than the first. While the battle raged in the background, a second plot line took place between the narrator and a female from the Ungrateful Dead. At one point, the female had a gun to his head, while he depicted this fairytale. I am not sure what they were going for. I am assuming the Narrator and this female were engaged in a relationship at some point and this relationship was a tragic tale, but that is just my guess. I enjoyed the story, but this was the one moment in the whole night that I felt completely lost. However, I still enjoyed the opera, so I suppose that says something good about the execution. If you can be lost, but still having a great time that is a successful thing.
The use of the projection screen in this opera was better than the first. The projection screen basically projected an image or images on the entire set. These images enhanced the opera in some way. I was impressed by the amount the audience had to look at. The set for all three operas was minimal. It consisted of a bow shaped platform and the occasional prop. However, the projection screen added an outstanding visual element that gave depth and context to the operas. Also, there were three screens that projected English subtitles to enhance your understanding of the plot. It was a great experience.
Leonard Bernstein is an American composer born in 1918. He was among the first American conductors to receive worldwide acclaim. The New York Times claim he is "one of the most prodigally talented and successful musicians in American history."
Bernstein’s TROUBLE IN TAHITI features the troubles of a marriage during the ideal, shiny, and perfect 1950s. During one day, the couple indulges themselves in affairs and other distractions to take their minds off the troubled marriage. This opera depicts the television and film as an escape from the trouble in paradise.
I have to say, this was my favorite opera. First, it was in English. Second, I understood the time period better. And finally, it has a few jazz elements, which I enjoyed.
There were a few liberties taken. The father, Sam (Jose Rubio), has an affair with his secretary Miss Brown or in the production Venus. While the mother, Dinah (Daryl Freedman) has an affair with Pluto. The Ungrateful Dead play other roles through the opera. I think it added a new element and twist on the affairs that implied things I am not sure Bernstein had in mind, but it worked. Weaving in characters from all three operas into the scenes helped bring the triple bill together under one constant umbrella.
The 50’s inspired visuals on this opera were great. And the “perfect” Fantasy Trio (Jennifer Forni, Steve Brennfleck, and Christopher Clayton) acted not only as a type of Greek chorus, but added a bit of humor in to a tragic storyline.
I had a great time attending the opera and I encourage you to check out this production as well as future productions. The cast was great and the production was marvelous!
Friday, March 26, 2010
After the Show
What a show! There were some great moments. I do have to say, Bernstein did not disappoint. Tonight, before going to bed, I will give a few final thoughts and post the little video I did capture.
The cast was fantastic. The people here have been great and all in all it was a fun night. IF you are looking for something to do in Portland, check out the show. Trouble in Tahiti is running March 28, April 1 and a final performance on the 3rd.
Robert Ashbrook, one of my students has been blogging on the student blog and Paul has been tweeting all night too.
Once again, check back late tonight for final thoughts and video.
The cast was fantastic. The people here have been great and all in all it was a fun night. IF you are looking for something to do in Portland, check out the show. Trouble in Tahiti is running March 28, April 1 and a final performance on the 3rd.
Robert Ashbrook, one of my students has been blogging on the student blog and Paul has been tweeting all night too.
Once again, check back late tonight for final thoughts and video.
Intermission
This is a bit of a marathon. I usually like to reflect overnight before making post, so forgive any random thoughts.
So, it is intermission. The opera is very interesting. I was wondering how they could possibly tie the two Monteverdi pieces together. Surprisingly, it was seamless. One of the souls released from the underworld became the narrator for the second opera. Cupid and Venus were charming and offered a few moments of comedy.
When I attended the opera as a child, my mother would always describe the plot to us before we attended. You can imagine a child could easily be confused when the opera is in Italian. If you do not have a mother to describe the action to you, fear not, the Portland Opera offers screens with subtitles to help you along in the story.
I am looking forward to the Bernstein piece after intermission. Being a fan of West Side Story, I have high hopes.
So, it is intermission. The opera is very interesting. I was wondering how they could possibly tie the two Monteverdi pieces together. Surprisingly, it was seamless. One of the souls released from the underworld became the narrator for the second opera. Cupid and Venus were charming and offered a few moments of comedy.
When I attended the opera as a child, my mother would always describe the plot to us before we attended. You can imagine a child could easily be confused when the opera is in Italian. If you do not have a mother to describe the action to you, fear not, the Portland Opera offers screens with subtitles to help you along in the story.
I am looking forward to the Bernstein piece after intermission. Being a fan of West Side Story, I have high hopes.
Before the Show
I love opera, but I have to admit, I haven’t been in years. My mother is a composer. I remember going to the symphony and occasionally the opera as a young girl. I’ve always been fascinated with the opera. I think it comes out of my love for music and theatre.
Tonight’s performance is a triple bill, two works by Monteverdi (II Ballo delle Ingrate and II Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda) and Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti. The three pieces are woven together under the umbrella of love and set in a 50’s atmosphere. The actors of all the operas play minor roles in each piece.
So far, we’ve had fun finding the place, taken a tour backstage, and met the director. The parking is only my fault as it is my first time in downtown Portland.
LIVE TONIGHT
Tonight I will be blogging live from the Portland Opera. It is a triple bill including Trouble in Tahiti by American composer Leonard Bernstein (also know for the music in West Side Story).
Check here for a live report including more photos and video starting around 7pm pacific.
Pictured are Jose Rubio as Sam and Daryl Freedman as Dinah. Photo courtesy of the Portland Opera/Cory Weaver
Check here for a live report including more photos and video starting around 7pm pacific.
Pictured are Jose Rubio as Sam and Daryl Freedman as Dinah. Photo courtesy of the Portland Opera/Cory Weaver
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Reviews
I started writing reviews for The Christian Rock 20. Take a look at my current album reviews.
Just You and Me by Adie
Sing It Now by Poema
Just You and Me by Adie
Sing It Now by Poema
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Late Night's Big Secret
I am lucky I grew up in a household of limitless possibilities. I remember my parents telling me I could be anything I wanted to be. Being a female was never a hindrance in my life, and then I grew up.
There are times in “the real world” that I feel equal to my male colleagues and oblivious of gender issues. And still, there are other times where I find myself keenly aware of my gender and feel hindered by it.
I tend to forget Hollywood is a male dominated industry. In my graduate and undergraduate education, my classmates were predominately female. That is not an accurate representation of the industry; I tend to forget that.
I have had my share of experiences with sexism. A prestigious production company in Texas (who shall remain nameless), denied my internship request based on gender. I think their exact words were, “what would we do with her?”
One of the dirty little secrets of late-night programming is the absence of the female voice. Until now, Letterman, Leno, and O’Brein have had zero women on the writing staff. Letterman final hired Jill Goodwin after she “paid her dues.” Goodwin has been on the Letterman's staff for ten years, most recently as an assistant to the writing staff.
Why is that? Why must women prove themselves over and over again?
Congratulations, Jill; thank you, Letterman (hire another woman); and Leno you’re up.
There are times in “the real world” that I feel equal to my male colleagues and oblivious of gender issues. And still, there are other times where I find myself keenly aware of my gender and feel hindered by it.
I tend to forget Hollywood is a male dominated industry. In my graduate and undergraduate education, my classmates were predominately female. That is not an accurate representation of the industry; I tend to forget that.
I have had my share of experiences with sexism. A prestigious production company in Texas (who shall remain nameless), denied my internship request based on gender. I think their exact words were, “what would we do with her?”
One of the dirty little secrets of late-night programming is the absence of the female voice. Until now, Letterman, Leno, and O’Brein have had zero women on the writing staff. Letterman final hired Jill Goodwin after she “paid her dues.” Goodwin has been on the Letterman's staff for ten years, most recently as an assistant to the writing staff.
Why is that? Why must women prove themselves over and over again?
Congratulations, Jill; thank you, Letterman (hire another woman); and Leno you’re up.
Friday, February 5, 2010
AFI Top 100: #100: Ben-Hur
As though He were carrying in that cross the pain of the world. –Miriam
I am working my way through AFI’s top 100 list (10th anniversary edition).
So, let’s get started!
#100 Ben-Hur (1959)
William Wyler’s Ben-Hur is an epic masterpiece. The film contains over a million props, over 300 sets, 78 horses, 15,000 extras in the chariot race alone, and over 1,250,000 feet of raw film. It is arguably the first epic film to usher in a new era of filmmaking still used today. Take a look at Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, Troy or even Star Wars and you will find pieces of Ben-Hur.
The film depicts a Jewish man, Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), living in the time of Christ. The life and death of Christ is beautifully woven into the fictional story. Christ remains a mysterious figure in the background, never speaking or revealing his face. His path merely passes in out of Ben-Hur's life. The Bible is a backdrop, but not the focus of the film which brings a fresh perspective, and displays Christian principals without over stating them.
Ben-Hur is not only a spectacular film, but it is historically significant. The following is a list of a few ground-breaking accomplishments:
• A remake of a 1925 silent film, it became the first remake to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.
• One of the widest prints ever made, with a ratio of 2.76:1.
• Shot with a revolutionary camera known as “MGM Camera 65.” It later became known as “Ultra Panavision 70.”
• Won a record 11 Academy Awards. The only other films to reach such a record are Titanic and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
Star: 4/5
Monday, February 1, 2010
Lord Save Us From Your Followers
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. -Mohandas Gandhi
We live in a world where Christians are full of anger. Every day a new fundamentalist Christian is seen on TV yelling their message of hate. The church is in turmoil. We are founded on love and inclusion, but the irony of it all, we are being torn a part by hate and exclusivity masking as religion. We are exploding from the inside out and driving people away at an alarming rate.
It's time to stop!
We need to get out of our Sunday clothes, take down the banners, put away the communion plate and get out into the world. We need to stop preaching and start showing. It's not going to be easy. In fact, it will probably be painful. But my question to you is where would Jesus be? In Sunday school or washing the feet of the homeless.
All that lead us to today. I heard Dan Merchant speak. Dan produced a documentary Lord Save Us From Your Followers. In the film, he travels across the country opening a dialogue about Christianity and why religion is dividing our nation. I can't wait to see the film. His talk was both uplifting and challenging; and touched on things that I am currently struggling with in my own life.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Cry Out in Love
The hearts of the people
cry out to the Lord.
O wall of the Daughter of Zion,
let your tears flow like a river
day and night;
give yourself no relief,
your eyes no rest.
Arise, cry out in the night,
as the watches of the night begin;
pour out your heart like water
in the presence of the Lord.
Lift up your hands to him
for the lives of your children,
who faint from hunger
at the head of every street.
-Lamentations 2: 18-19
Distraught and emotionally drained from my last post, I am still trying to process it all. My heart is broken and I have been calling out to God for guidance.
If I am to change, what will that changed person look like? Where should I start? The change must come within. It must effect every aspect of my life and it must be done in a way that is not harmful to anyone. There will be no gnashing of teeth or hitting others over the head with my own realizations. This is about me and my change, not a movement or a call for revolution.
Paul and I try to live by one simple rule, search for a loving alternative. In every situation, with every conversation, we try to ask ourselves, what is the loving thing to do? I challenge you to do the same in your own life.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Rechelle, I am sorry.
Touched by a blog post, I have written a response to the author.
Rechelle,
1. As a believing Christian, I am sorry. I am sorry that I haven’t stood my ground on issues. I too have felt it was time for Christians to renounce hate and embrace love, love for all people. Jesus died for all, not exclusively for the ones who dress up and attend church every Sunday so they can feel elite and chosen. His unbelievable sacrifice was an act of love. To rebuke people is not my place and I am sorry if I have every taken place in such condemnation. I am sorry that I have been afraid to stop the madness that surrounds me. I am sorry that I have been fearful to speak up against such hurtful acts. I now see that my silence was in fact a passive participation, which renders me as guilt as those who stand on the street corners yelling defiling messages of hate.
2. I am sorry if I have ever thought someone is going to hell. I am sorry I have not taken the chance to learn about world religions and other point of views. I am sorry for every Christian that continues to refuse to engage the world around them. I am sorry that my brethren deem it necessary to fight against culture rather than focusing on their own sin. I am sorry that I (we) try to remove the speck from your eye rather than taking care of the 2x4 crammed in our own.
3. I am sorry that we ever mixed politics and religion. I am sorry that we try to use power to force feed our beliefs on others. I am sorry that I ignore Christian who continue to do this. I am sorry that I have not yelled this message out. I am sorry for the crusades, slavery, and any other intolerance justified in the name of Christ. There is no justification for hatred; there is no validation for loathing; there is no rationalization for prejudice!
4. I apologize for allowing money to be spent on fancy projectors, gold plated communion dishes, and other lavish accessories while the poor and needy roam the streets. I am sorry for demanding heat in a huge building so I will be comfortable while people struggle to buy food for their children. I am sorry that I am a member at a church that maintains a building that remains locked and unused most of the time.
5. I am sorry for placing people on pedestals. Mankind is flawed. Humans sin. I am sorry to belong to a group that does not practice what they preach. I am sorry that we do not allow people to fall. I am sorry that there is no forgiveness. There is no excuse to not allow people to overcome their own misgivings. I am sorry that we tear people down like savage wolves rather than lifting them up.
6. I too am sorry for becoming insensitive to the world. I am sorry I look the other way when I see a homeless man. I am sorry that I ignore the hurting of my fellow mankind. I am sorry that I assumed God would right “injustice, or crime, or pain, or hunger, or illness, or ignorance, or war, or greed, or tyranny, or slavery or abuse, or addiction, or pollution, or natural disasters” through my tax deductible contribution. I should have considered that He would use me as his instrument instead. I am sorry that have built walls and fences fortified by alarm systems around my life. I am sorry that I have allowed the devil to trick me into thinking that Christianity was safe. It isn’t safe. It never was meant to be safe.
7. Most of all, I apologize to you, Rechelle. I apologize for not standing by your side earlier. I am sorry that I refused to start a revolution, but waited for someone like you to say the first word. I am sorry that you are no longer a Christian because you can’t see religion ever lining up with your beliefs. I am sorry that the word Christian has become synonymous with hate. I am sorry that we have lost our way. We are called to be compassionate, loving people and somehow, somewhere we lost that mission. That breaks my heart and for that I am truly sorry.
I don’t know what to do to make it right again. And I am sure that I will now find my way in the center of Christian hatred. There will be those who call me names and debate my holiness. But, like Martin Luther so long ago, God has been pulling on my heart for a while now and it is time for me to stand up. So as my heart races and I fear what the fall out will be, the only thing I can say is “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen!”
Rechelle,
1. As a believing Christian, I am sorry. I am sorry that I haven’t stood my ground on issues. I too have felt it was time for Christians to renounce hate and embrace love, love for all people. Jesus died for all, not exclusively for the ones who dress up and attend church every Sunday so they can feel elite and chosen. His unbelievable sacrifice was an act of love. To rebuke people is not my place and I am sorry if I have every taken place in such condemnation. I am sorry that I have been afraid to stop the madness that surrounds me. I am sorry that I have been fearful to speak up against such hurtful acts. I now see that my silence was in fact a passive participation, which renders me as guilt as those who stand on the street corners yelling defiling messages of hate.
2. I am sorry if I have ever thought someone is going to hell. I am sorry I have not taken the chance to learn about world religions and other point of views. I am sorry for every Christian that continues to refuse to engage the world around them. I am sorry that my brethren deem it necessary to fight against culture rather than focusing on their own sin. I am sorry that I (we) try to remove the speck from your eye rather than taking care of the 2x4 crammed in our own.
3. I am sorry that we ever mixed politics and religion. I am sorry that we try to use power to force feed our beliefs on others. I am sorry that I ignore Christian who continue to do this. I am sorry that I have not yelled this message out. I am sorry for the crusades, slavery, and any other intolerance justified in the name of Christ. There is no justification for hatred; there is no validation for loathing; there is no rationalization for prejudice!
4. I apologize for allowing money to be spent on fancy projectors, gold plated communion dishes, and other lavish accessories while the poor and needy roam the streets. I am sorry for demanding heat in a huge building so I will be comfortable while people struggle to buy food for their children. I am sorry that I am a member at a church that maintains a building that remains locked and unused most of the time.
5. I am sorry for placing people on pedestals. Mankind is flawed. Humans sin. I am sorry to belong to a group that does not practice what they preach. I am sorry that we do not allow people to fall. I am sorry that there is no forgiveness. There is no excuse to not allow people to overcome their own misgivings. I am sorry that we tear people down like savage wolves rather than lifting them up.
6. I too am sorry for becoming insensitive to the world. I am sorry I look the other way when I see a homeless man. I am sorry that I ignore the hurting of my fellow mankind. I am sorry that I assumed God would right “injustice, or crime, or pain, or hunger, or illness, or ignorance, or war, or greed, or tyranny, or slavery or abuse, or addiction, or pollution, or natural disasters” through my tax deductible contribution. I should have considered that He would use me as his instrument instead. I am sorry that have built walls and fences fortified by alarm systems around my life. I am sorry that I have allowed the devil to trick me into thinking that Christianity was safe. It isn’t safe. It never was meant to be safe.
7. Most of all, I apologize to you, Rechelle. I apologize for not standing by your side earlier. I am sorry that I refused to start a revolution, but waited for someone like you to say the first word. I am sorry that you are no longer a Christian because you can’t see religion ever lining up with your beliefs. I am sorry that the word Christian has become synonymous with hate. I am sorry that we have lost our way. We are called to be compassionate, loving people and somehow, somewhere we lost that mission. That breaks my heart and for that I am truly sorry.
I don’t know what to do to make it right again. And I am sure that I will now find my way in the center of Christian hatred. There will be those who call me names and debate my holiness. But, like Martin Luther so long ago, God has been pulling on my heart for a while now and it is time for me to stand up. So as my heart races and I fear what the fall out will be, the only thing I can say is “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen!”
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Organization
Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.
- Immanuel Kant, German Philosopher
I admire organized people.
As a child, my room was a disorganized mess (a Barbie here, yesterday’s outfit over there). I remember being in awe of my friends seemed to naturally categorized things in their sleep. Their rooms were spotless, every toy had a place, and (most importantly) they had a floor. My childhood bedroom was a floor-less black hole.
In the past few years, I have really come to understand the importance of organization. I seem to have more time, be in a better mood, and gain energy from my new environment. Yesterday, I went to Office Depot to buy some supplies. I am creating teaching notebooks for every class I teach. I can already tell a difference in the classroom. If, in the end, it only makes me feel more prepared, I consider it as a win.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Conan O'Brien
Please do not be cynical ... I hate cynicism. For the record it's my least favorite quality. It doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you – amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, it's just true. -Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show
After a seven month run, Conan O'Brien and NBC have split ways. The split created a media circus full of wild rumors. In what must be a tough situation, Conan managed to close the show with his head held high. I am so glad he urged people to see the positive and continue to work toward their dreams. I couldn't agree with him more. Cynicism is a quality that only hinders you. Thank you, Conan for your words of wisdom.
Audience of One
Ten years ago, I was praying on a mountaintop. The Lord spoke to me like out of the blue. You will start a film company. I want you to be the Rolls-Royce of filmmaking. Better than anyone in the world. -Richard Gazowsky, Audience of One
My name is Sarah and I am a documentary filmmaker, excuse me, I am a Christian documentary filmmaker.
I still remember very distinctly my first year of graduate school. Somewhere in the first week a professor challenged us to begin to call ourselves documentary filmmakers. I had produced several documentaries prior to my arrival, but had never considered myself a filmmaker. It took me weeks to finally begin and see myself in this new light and years to really own the title. I like the saying "your not a filmmaker until someone tells you your a filmmaker." There are too many people running around and calling themselves filmmakers. Everyone with access to a camcorder is not a filmmaker. It is a craft to be honed and requires community acceptance though the validation of your work. I don't run around calling myself a plumber because I know what a pipe looks like.
In the same manner, there are too many people who consider themselves Christian filmmakers. I never wanted to be a "Christian" filmmaker. I simply wanted to be a Christian who made films. I actually remember praying to God saying please don't make me be the girl who makes Christian films. It is with a lot of resistance that I have arrived here. Frankly, I am afraid of the title, afraid that it will box me in. Christians will judge me on the holiness of my film and non-Christians will never take my work seriously. There is no doubt that my film are Christian. They revolve around Christian topics and themes, but I never set out to do that. God led me there.
All of this leads me to the film I watched today, a documentary by Mike Jacobs entitled Audience of One. The film focuses on the Voice of Pentecost Church in San Fransisco lead by Pastor Richard Gazowsky. Gazowsky saw his first film at the age of 40. Shortly there after, he claims to have recieved a vision from God that convinced him to start a film production company. WYSIWYG Imageworks is the manifestation of that vision. The film chronicles their journey to create a high quality film. Faced with the pitfalls of production, their budget grows from $100,000 to $50 million to $100 million to currently $200 million.
It is people like Richard Gazowsky that make life harder. I feel like I have to apologize for their actions. I find myself having to explaining, "yes, I am a Christian, but I do not condone that action." I already have a strike against me.
I truly believe people can be compelled by God. But there is a line. When asked if Christians should pay their taxes, Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s." (Mark 12:17) Not paying rent on a building for months, but purchasing high end production equipment is not a Christian thing to do. Draining your churches resources and promising future investors that never show is fraud. There is no way around that.
If I had half the money and equipment they have invested, I would be turning out films left and right. Currently, I average a film a year on a meager budget. My films aren't the next Avatar, but they are award winning stories. The only completed film (I am aware of) Mr. Gazowsky has been a part of is the documentary (which he merely starred in). (On a side note: I would be glad to watch any films he has completed. I tried to find a DVD to purchase and was unsuccessful.) So, thank you for giving Christian filmmakers one more mountain to climb and one more battle to fight. This is why the truly dedicated among us gets so easily discouraged. Please stop trying to do things yourself and dedicated your resources to someone who knows what they are doing.
Overall, the documentary is well produced. There was a little blurb about how the church is perceived by the community, but I personally wanted to hear more of the story from a point of view outside of the church members. It was obvious to me about half way through the film that the churches plans were too grand and I wanted to know what members of the community thought about the situation. I also wanted to see the two scenes from his movie that were shot and know more about what happened after the Italy shoot. On a scale from one to five, I give the film a three. The cinematography was not spectacular and I found the storyline lacking diversity. Plus, the whole subject unnerved me, thus the long soap box blog.
Rating: Not Rated
Stars: 3/5
Language: None
Friday, January 22, 2010
Inspiration
As a continuing discussion of Producing Films with Passion by Dorothy Fadiman and Tony Levelle, I pose the following question: Where do you find inspiration? This could be inspiration to merely wake up in the morning, produce films, or even take your next breath. What compels you to keep living and where do you find these things?
The source of my found inspiration changes. It seems to ebb and flow with time. Sometimes I find myself enthused for weeks by the simple beauty of the world around me. The trees, flowers, and even the rain appear in a unique light during this time. Other times, I am encouraged by the words of others. They seem to unknowingly say the thing I need to hear. Still there are times where I find the motivation lies within me. The last is a source of inspiration that I am consciously focusing on cultivating. I am learning that the motivation I can stir internally last longer than other sources. I have found meditation to be a great resource. It allows me to take the time to listen to myself, focus on my desires, and ultimately restore my inner confidence. Working in media is a tough life. I encourage you to find your own sources of inspiration. Try something new and be open to the possibilities around you.
The source of my found inspiration changes. It seems to ebb and flow with time. Sometimes I find myself enthused for weeks by the simple beauty of the world around me. The trees, flowers, and even the rain appear in a unique light during this time. Other times, I am encouraged by the words of others. They seem to unknowingly say the thing I need to hear. Still there are times where I find the motivation lies within me. The last is a source of inspiration that I am consciously focusing on cultivating. I am learning that the motivation I can stir internally last longer than other sources. I have found meditation to be a great resource. It allows me to take the time to listen to myself, focus on my desires, and ultimately restore my inner confidence. Working in media is a tough life. I encourage you to find your own sources of inspiration. Try something new and be open to the possibilities around you.
Producing with Passion: Making Films That Change the World
A film that reflects your true passion will carry with it a special energy, a vital sense of purpose that can have an impact for generations.
I continuously find myself using the term passion in my classes. You must have passion for what you do. A story without passion lacks life. Passion is what will carry you through the trenches of production. My students probably get tired of my copious use of the term. But, there is no other expression that so nicely describes the combination of zeal, enthusiasm, dedication, excitement, and borderline obsession it takes to be successful in this business. Late at night when funding is exhausted and the crew has left for a paying job, it is that passion you have for this medium, for your subject, that will continue to offer life support to your film. When I came across Dorothy Fadiman and Tony Levelle's book Producing with Passion the title alone caught my eye. Written by an Emmy award winning and an Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker, this book definitely made my Christmas list. Now that the holidays have worn off and school is back in session, I am finally finding the time to read it. I've only read the introduction, but it has definitely left me wishing I had more time right now to finish it. I guess I will have to find time to slip away to a quiet coffee house and learn more about "creat{ing} media miracles."
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Awakenings
What we do know is that, as the chemical window closed, another awakening took place; that the human spirit is more powerful than any drug - and that is what needs to be nourished: with work, play, friendship, family. these are the things that matter. This is what we'd forgotten - the simplest things. -Dr. Sayer, Awakenings
I believe that film is a medium with the potential to portray the humanity deep within. Awakenings, directed by Penny Marshall, does just that. Staring Robin Williams, Robert De Niro, and Julie Kavner, Awakenings is a heart warming film based closely on the work of Dr. Oliver Sacks.
Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Williams) sets out to wake a group of comatose patients frozen in time. He succeeds in treating Leonard Lowe (De Niro) who has been asleep for most of his life. Lowe's love for life forces Sayer to awaken his own spirit.
The film was nominated for best picture by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1991 along with the nomination of Robert De Niro for best actor in a lead roll and best adapted screenplay.
Woven together with drama and poignant moments, this story has quickly found a place among my favorite films. Leonard is a charming character who works well opposite the scientific and enthusiastic young Dr. Sayer. De Niro masterfully portrays the role leaving the audience profoundly touched by his words of wisdom. All in all, I give this film an enthusiastic 5 stars. It is a must see and is sure to strike up a thoughtful discussion after. While thematic elements may not be suitable for all ages, this is definitely a film to enjoy with older children and a great way to initiate a conversation about of life's value.
Rating: PG-13
Stars: 5/5
Language: This film does contain one fleeting f-word.
Trivia: If you look closely, you will recognize Vin Diesel make his film debut as a hospital orderly.
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